"I CAN face tomorrow!"

"For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." Romans 5:10-11 

Growing up in Georgia, the music of the Gaithers was a constant. Maybe around the piano with Mom playing, or grandparents' house or a family reunion, maybe sitting on someone's porch, maybe at a revival or homecoming. Their song "Because He lives" was my grandmother's favorite. I was reminded of it this week hearing the handbells practice it with Brian for Easter and I was reminded of that beautiful version Patty played on piano. 

The very last time I visited my grandmother in Georgia she was a shadow of her former self. Barely aware of what's going on while she suffered through disease and dementia, it was so difficult to see her that way. But something amazing happened, as I sat down and played the piano next to her, she began to hum, and then seemingly like a miracle when we got to the last verse and chorus she sang out her faith as though she were her normal self "and then one day, I'll cross that river, I'll fight life's final war with pain, and then as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He reigns! Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives ALL FEAR IS GONE! Because I know He holds the future and life is worth the living just because He lives!" In one of her last times she seemed herself she told her pastor, "I'm ready to go home and see Jesus." 

When we celebrate the amazing gift of our salvation this weekend and hear the bells play that amazing beloved gospel hymn I know I'll be singing in my heart along with my grandmother looking down from heaven. How grateful we are to know we never have to lose heart for we know that death gives way to victory! Because He lives, all fear is gone!

Brent Shaw